Seoul(Mapo-gu)

Located in the Hongdae area, the Modern Design Museum is one of the first design museums in Korea. It opened in March 2008 and exhibits historical records that are dedicated to Korea’s design development, featuring more than 15,000 items. The items displayed are mostly from the private collection of Park Arm-Jong, who is a Seonmun University professor as well as the museum’s director. He has gathered items for over 20 years and has arranged them in such a way that visitors can get a very good idea of Korea’s modern design history. Under the theme of “The Big Dipper, 7 stars lighting up the night sky,” exhibitions are categorized into different periods of time. Section 1: Inception Stage (Introduction of Modern Western Culture. 1876-1910), Section 2: Stationary Stage (Slump of Traditional Korean Culture and the Beginning of the Corporate Era. 1910-1945), Section 3: Incubating Stage (Beginning of Understanding the Utility of Design. 1945 – 1961), Section 4: Early Developing Stage (1961 – 1976), Section 5: Developing Stage (Systemizing Design and Development through International Sports. 1976 – 1988), Section 6: Take-off stage (1988 – 2000), and Section 7: Maturing stage (2000s and after).


Incheon(Jung-gu)

Located in Jung-gu, Incheon, Gwandong Gallery is a unique cultural space that blends history, art, and architecture. The gallery is housed in a 90-year-old Japanese-style wooden residence, offering visitors a glimpse into Incheon's past while serving as a hub for contemporary artistic expression. Historic Architecture & Cultural Significance The gallery is set in a well-preserved wooden hanok-style building from the early 20th century, reflecting a time when Incheon was a key point of international trade and cultural exchange. The structure retains traditional wooden beams, sliding doors, and tiled roofs, giving visitors an authentic experience of period architecture. It stands as a historical landmark, preserving the legacy of Incheon's architectural evolution. Exhibitions & Programs Gwandong Gallery serves as a dynamic exhibition space, featuring: * Art Exhibitions – Showcasing both modern and traditional Korean and international artworks. * Historical Displays – Exhibits that delve into Incheon's urban and cultural history. * Cultural Events – Workshops, artist talks, and educational programs that engage the local and international community. The gallery continuously curates new content, making each visit a fresh and engaging experience for returning guests. Visitor Information * Location: 38, Sinpo-ro 31beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea * Opening Hours: Typically open Friday to Sunday (Hours may vary depending on exhibitions) * Contact: +82 32-766-8660 It is recommended to check the gallery’s schedule in advance, as exhibition times and special events may affect visiting hours. Nearby Attractions A visit to Gwandong Gallery pairs well with exploring Incheon’s historic sites, such as: * Incheon Chinatown – Korea’s largest and oldest Chinatown, known for its rich culinary scene and cultural landmarks. * Open Port History District – A heritage zone with preserved architecture from Incheon’s early trade era. * Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village – A colorful neighborhood with murals and themed streets. Why Visit? Gwandong Gallery offers more than just an art space—it is a historical landmark, a cultural storytelling venue, and an immersive artistic experience. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply looking to explore Incheon’s lesser-known gems, this gallery provides a quiet retreat into the past while embracing the creative pulse of the present.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongdeok-gun)

Gyeongjeong Beach is famous for its serene and clean water with gentle waves. It is also used as an aqua farm for growing such marine products as sea cucumbers, abalones and sea squirts. The beach side road is a perfect driving course with the view of the horizon.


Jeollabuk-do(Buan-gun)

Gyeokpo Port, located on the mainland of Jeju, is the departure point to Wido and Wangdeungdo Islands. Seawall fishing and rock fishing can both be enjoyed at the same time here. A wide rock belt is formed in the sea at the front of Gyeokpo creating lots of boat fishing sites (the main catch being black porgy and armorclad rockfish). Fishing spots include the sea west of Dongho Island, near Ssanyeo, the sea north of Daehyeongjedo Island and near Sumeunyeo. Big black porgy can be caught from the seawall and armorclad rockfish by fishing with rod (mostly in October). The sea south of Wido Island, one hour by boat from Gyeokpo, is famous for boat fishing to catch yellow drum. The sea north of Anmagundo is one of the best places for trolling to catch Japanese/Spanish Mackerel. Sadangdo Island has recently emerged as the best rock fishing site in the Gyeokpo region. Sadangdo Island is the largest island among those around Gyeokpo and has an abundance of good fishing spots. The waters are around 5m deep in all areas around Sadangdo Island. Wangdeungdo Island is a relatively new site as a number of 40cm-long big black porgy have been caught here recently. When the muddy tide goes out and clean water rises, black porgies start to bite.* Fishinf Spots: sea in front of Gyeokpo, Gyeokpo-ri, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do. 


Chungcheongnam-do(Cheonan-si)

The National Mang-Hyang Cemetery provides a resting place for the souls of Koreans who resided and passed away in foreign lands. The Korean government built the cemetery in 1976 for compatriots who were forced to leave their beloved homeland under the Japanese colonial rule and ultimately passed away in foreign lands. In addition to graveyards, the cemetery also houses the KAL Memorial Tower. Every fall, a large memorial service is held.


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Yi Sunsin Plaza is located in Jungang-dong, Yeosu-si and contains the history and achievements of General Yi Sunsin. The plaza is the starting point for the history culture tourism belt and the surrounding artifacts and in May hosts the Turtle Ship Festival. The main attraction in the plaza is the life-size turtle ship which visitors can not only view from the outside but also the inside. There are also various performances on Saturdays in the plaza. 


Jeollanam-do(Suncheon-si)

Located in both Seungju-eup and Songgwang-myeon of Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do, Jogyesan Mountain (조계산, 884.3m) has two famous Buddhist temples on it, Seonamsa Temple and Songgwangsa Temple. This is a relatively low mountain with rounded corners and a soft tranquility. Around Seonamsa Temple you’ll find several peaks such as Wolchulbong Peak, Janggunbong Peak and Gitdaebong Peak as well as the Ilweolseok boulder. This area is always crowded with visitors all year round due to the famous temples of Songgwangsa Temple and Seonamsa Temple. There are hikers as well coming purely to walk up Jogyesan Mountain which has gentle paths with short hills and flat paths, making it great even a picnic.


Chungcheongnam-do()

Musangsa Temple (est. March 2000) is an international Zen Temple created by Monk Sungsan exclusively for foreigners. The temple aims at promoting Korean Zen Buddhism among foreign monks and nuns while encouraging non-Buddhist priests and religious leaders to experience Zen. Located at the foot of Gyeryong Mountain, the temple is surrounded by a forest of pine trees, giving visiting Zen practitioners a chance to experience the genuine natural beauty of Korea. To date, over 600 foreigners from 30 different countries have visited the temple to learn more about Zen meditation. Twice a year (once in the summer and once in the winter) a 3-month program is held for foreign monks and nuns to come and practice Ganhwaseon, a type of Zen Buddhism. Travelers and other foreigners are also welcome to participate in shortened versions of the program, which are typically one week in length. During meditation/program periods, public visits are limited. Buddhist services are held every week. Services presided over by monk Musim are open to the general public and are held in English.


Incheon(Jung-gu) , Incheon Center

The Noodle Platform: A Multifaceted Noodle-Themed Cultural Space in Incheon When people think of iconic local foods in Incheon, various types of noodles quickly come to mind. After all, this coastal city is not only credited with popularizing jjajangmyeon but also with creating jjolmyeon. True to its name, The Noodle Platform—located in Incheon’s Chinatown—celebrates the region’s rich noodle heritage through exhibits, interactive activities, and educational programs. 1. First Floor: Noodle Heritage on Display * Historical Exhibits The first floor highlights the origins of beloved noodle dishes such as jjajangmyeon and jjolmyeon. Visitors can also explore displays featuring nostalgia-inducing favorites like Hwapyeong-dong naengmyeon and Saejip kalguksu, showcasing the flavors Incheon residents hold dear. * Artifacts & Memorabilia Rare items, including an original noodle extruder donated by Gwangshin Mill (reputed to be the “first jjolmyeon factory”), add historical depth and visual interest. These artifacts offer a glimpse into the local food industry’s evolution, captivating both culinary enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. 2. Second Floor: Hands-On Culinary Experiences * Interactive Cooking Stations On the second floor, guests can try their hand at preparing various noodle dishes via models and digital displays. The setup encourages hands-on learning, allowing visitors to experiment with different cooking techniques. * Global Spice Exhibition An assortment of spices from around the world—often used in noodle dishes—are available for visitors to see and smell, providing a sensory tour of global flavors. * Cup Noodle Creation A dedicated corner offers a build-your-own cup noodle experience, adding a playful twist to the educational aspects of the platform. 3. Bringing Incheon’s Noodle Culture to Life By weaving together historical documentation, interactive exhibits, and opportunities for creative exploration, The Noodle Platform serves as an engaging cultural hub that underscores Incheon’s longstanding love affair with noodles. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply curious about Korea’s culinary heritage, this vibrant space offers a rich, hands-on encounter with one of the city’s most treasured traditions.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Cheongju-si)

Sangsoo Herb Land is an arboretum which houses 1,000 species of herbs throughout its 82,645㎡ (25,000 pyeong) area. The glass greenhouse, spanning over 9,917㎡ (3,000 pyeong), keeps herbs fresh and green, even in the winter season. Herb Land is well-known for their flowers that bloom year-round, as well their diverse events including the Herb Land Festival held in May each year, wedding ceremonys, banquets, hands-on program classes, and more. Sangsoo Herb Land provides a wide array of programs for visitors. The major event is the Herb Land Festival, aiming to spread knowledge on the use of diverse herbs, including introducing the aromatic value of herb plants in landscaping and as a natural insecticide, as well as the health benefits of herbal foods. Participants can take part in seminars and hands-on activities to learn more about herbs. The banquet room on the second floor can accommodate large groups for events, serving excellent herb dishes at reasonable prices. An outdoor wedding service surrounded by beautiful gardens is also available.